The boy had been admitted to a St. Louis hospital with a fever of 103
degrees.
After days of testing he was diagnosed with leukemia.
The doctors were honest with him, both in regard to his illness and the
results of the chemotherapy. They told him he would be receiving
medication for three years. During that time he would go bald, and his
body would probably be bloated.
That news is tough for anybody,
but it is devastating when you are 15 and what other people think is
really important.
Understandably, the boy grew discouraged and
depressed. Trying to help, the lad's aunt called a florist, shared his
story, and ordered some flowers. When the flowers were delivered, there
were two cards that accompanied the order. The young man opened and read
his aunt's caring card.
Then he took a look at the second card.
It read as follows: "I'm the fellow who took your aunt's order. I had
leukemia when I was seven years old. I'm 22 years old now. Good luck! My
heart goes out to you. Sincerely." That card made all the difference.
The boy knew he wasn't alone. He knew somebody had been there before
him. He knew there was hope for the future.
As I write this
devotion, I don't know your situation.
Even so, I do know that
you have now -- or someday will have -- problems and pains.
When
that time comes, I hope you will know you are not alone. Jesus Christ,
our Savior and Lord came into this world, became one of us, to offer
Himself as the payment, which would rescue us from death and hell.
But He also entered this world to give us the assurance that we are
not alone. The Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, had foretold that Jesus
would, in saving us, carry our griefs and sorrows, be wounded for our
sins, and crushed for our disobedience. The Gospels tell how the Savior
faced fears that would send shivers into our soul.
That is why,
when He says, "Fear not, I am with you," we can believe Him. Because of
what He endured we have healing, hope and confidence.
No matter
what tomorrow may bring, no matter how insecure and unsure we may be
Jesus has shown us we are not alone.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, this
world can be a pretty nasty place. Indeed, there would be no hope for
the future if it were not for the fact that Jesus came to earth so that
things might be changed. By living, suffering and dying for us we are
forgiven. Because of His resurrection believers know that death is not
the end. With such blood-bought peace may we live out our days. In
Jesus' Name. Amen.
Pastor Ken Klaus
Lutheran Hour Ministries All rights reserved;
not to be duplicated without permission.
